Taliban Attack On Afghan Army Checkpoint Kills 7 Troops

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) – The Afghan defense ministry says at least seven soldiers were killed when their checkpoint came under attack by the “enemy” in northern Balkh province. The Taliban quickly claimed responsibility for the attack. The ministry says six other members of the security forces – three soldiers and three intelligence agents – were wounded in the Tuesday morning attack in the district of Dawlat Abad. The Taliban now control about half of Afghanistan and continue to stage near-daily attacks targeting Afghan and U.S. forces, as well as government officials.